Northamptonshire is referred to as the county of "spires and squires" because of the numbers of stately homes and ancient churches.  It sits centrally in the map of Britain; bordered by Leicestershire, Rutland, and Lincolnshire to the north, Cambridgeshire to the east, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire to the south, and Warwickshire to the west.

In the early 1800’s Northamptonshire was said to enjoy "a very pure and wholesome air" because of its dryness and distance from the sea.  It was later described as "a county enjoying the reputation of being one of the healthiest and pleasantest parts of England”. There are Iron Age and Roman remains in the county, and in the seventh century it was settled by the Angles and Saxons, becoming part of Mercia. 

Gardens to visit in Northamptonshire include Canons Ashby Garden, near Daventry; A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart

Coton Manor Garden; this beautiful garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone. The 10 acre garden has luxuriant borders that will delight the plant enthusiast while everyone will enjoy the garden’s charm and special atmosphere. Beyond the garden is a magical five acre bluebell wood and a wildflower meadow.

Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, near Northampton; boasts award-winning gardens - former winners of the coveted Christies and Historic Houses Association “Garden of the Year Award”, are a constant source of innovation and development – from the formal gardens that surround the Hall and to the Wild Garden, which flanks a meandering stream where acers, spring bulbs and gunneras create a romantic and tranquil air.